Jok is a rice porridge typically made in Thailand. We love jok because it is so versatile – you can eat it for any meal (although Michael often ate it for breakfast when we were in Thailand). The best thing about Jok is that after you make the porridge base, you can customize it in so many ways by adding things like eggs or ground pork. The base porridge makes a great hangover breakfast or a soothing meal when you have a cold or flu. When you are craving a more flavorful meal, just add in whatever suits your fancy.

Ingredients for Porridge Base

Note: The measurements below are starting estimates. It is typical to use more or less of different ingredients based on your preference.

Chopped lemon grass – 3 or 4 stalks

Crushed ginger – 1 inch

Crushed garlic – 1 clove

Cooked rice – regular or jasmine

Pork or chicken bullion

Directions to Make Porridge Base

  1. Make the broth – boil the lemon grass, ginger, and garlic in 6 cups of water.
  2. Strain and add to the cooked rice. Then add pork or chicken bouillon to taste.
  3. Finally, add water and simmer to make the porridge base in your desired consistency. For thicker porridge, use less water; for thinner porridge, use more water.

Optional Ingredients to add to Porridge Base

Here’s where you can mix things up and add any or all of the optional ingredients below to your porridge.

  • Fish sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Eggs – crack into boiling porridge and let it sit as is or stir into the porridge
  • Ground pork